Convertible and detachable laptops

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of converting a computer from a folded position into an alternate position is disclosed. The method includes: providing a display; providing a base coupled to the display; providing a base flap pivotally attached to the display and the base, the base flap being attached to the display at a distance sufficiently away from edges of the display to provide a reduced volumetric size of the computer in a laptop position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of computersystems. More particularly, an embodiment of the present inventionprovides methods and apparatus related to convertible and/or detachablelaptops.

BACKGROUND

Notebook (also called laptop) computers are lightweight personalcomputers, which are quickly gaining popularity. The popularity of thenotebook computers has especially increased since their prices have beendropping significantly, while maintaining similar performance as theirlarger siblings (i.e., desktop computers or workstations).

One clear advantage of notebook computers is their ease of portability.The lighter weight and increased battery life has made the use ofnotebook computers more commonplace. Aside from size, a major differencebetween notebook computers and personal computers is the graphicaldisplay system. Notebook computer designers employ a variety oftechniques to produce lightweight graphical display systems.

FIG. 1 shows a typical notebook computer in accordance with the priorart. A notebook computer 100 typically includes a liquid crystal display(LCD) 102 for displaying graphical images and a base unit 104 forencasing different hardware elements of the notebook computer. Thehardware elements include a keyboard 106, a battery 108, a hard drive(not shown), and a central processing unit (CPU, not shown).

In some applications, the notebook computers may be utilized as a tablet(also called a convertible laptop), i.e., where a user may input data byinputting it directly onto the LCD 102. Some users, however, disliketablet computers because their usage requires a different approach(e.g., using a pen instead of a pointing stick). Additionally, thecurrent convertible laptops use their own proprietary or nonstandardoperating systems (OSes). The nonstandard implementation of theconvertible laptops creates compatibility issues with other computersystems in use at the user's home or office.

The wider use of notebook computers has also created problems for theirusers, including physical ones. Incidents of carpal tunnel syndrome,eyestrain, and backache are on the rise. For example, increasedpassenger capacity in airplanes has resulted in reduced leg and shoulderroom, in turn, increasing the stress on laptop user' posture whenutilizing their computers. For example, with respect to FIG. 1, usersoften rest their palms on the hand rest area of the keyboard (210) whiletyping on the keyboard 106, which increases the stress on the user'shands. Similarly, user eyestrain may result when the LCD panel 102 cannot be tilted back far enough (e.g., due to space restrictions), therebyrendering a less than ideal brightness yield from the incorrectly angledLCD panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar or identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art depiction of a notebook computer;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computer system 200in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 400 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary front, side view of a computer system500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a folded computer system 600in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary top view of an unfolded computer system700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 800 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 900 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 10 through 16 illustrate exemplary side views of computer systemsin accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the present invention numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than indetail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computer system 200in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The computersystem 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 202 coupled to a bus205. In one embodiment, the CPU 202 is a processor in the Pentium®family of processors including the Pentium® II processor family,Pentium® III processors, Pentium® IV processors available from IntelCorporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Alternatively, other CPUs may beused, such as Intel's XScale processor, Intel's Banias Processors, ARMprocessors available from ARM Ltd. of Cambridge, the United Kingdom, orOMAP processor (an enhanced ARM-based processor) available from TexasInstruments, Inc., of Dallas, Tex.

A chipset 207 is also coupled to the bus 205. The chipset 207 includes amemory control hub (MCH) 210. The MCH 210 may include a memorycontroller 212 that is coupled to a main system memory 215. Main systemmemory 215 stores data and sequences of instructions that are executedby the CPU 202 or any other device included in the system 200. In oneembodiment, main system memory 215 includes dynamic random access memory(DRAM); however, main system memory 215 may be implemented using othermemory types. Additional devices may also be coupled to the bus 205,such as multiple CPUs and/or multiple system memories.

The MCH 210 may also include a graphics interface 213 coupled to agraphics accelerator 230. In one embodiment, graphics interface 213 iscoupled to graphics accelerator 230 via an accelerated graphics port(AGP) that operates according to an AGP Specification Revision 2.0interface developed by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif.

In addition, the hub interface couples the MCH 210 to an input/outputcontrol hub (ICH) 240 via a hub interface. The ICH 240 provides aninterface to input/output (I/0) devices within the computer system 200.The ICH 240 may be coupled to a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)bus adhering to a Specification Revision 2.1 bus developed by the PCISpecial Interest Group of Portland, Oregon. Thus, the ICH 240 includes aPCI bridge 246 that provides an interface to a PCI bus 242. The PCIbridge 246 provides a data path between the CPU 202 and peripheraldevices.

The PCI bus 242 includes an audio device 250 and a disk drive 255.However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that otherdevices may be coupled to the PCI bus 242. In addition, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the CPU 202 and MCH 210 could becombined to form a single chip. Furthermore, graphics accelerator 230may be included within MCH 210 in other embodiments.

In addition, other peripherals may also be coupled to the ICH 240 invarious embodiments. For example, such peripherals may includeintegrated drive electronics (IDE) or small computer system interface(SCSI) hard drive(s), universal serial bus (USB) port(s), a keyboard, amouse, parallel port(s), serial port(s), floppy disk drive(s), digitaloutput support (e.g., digital video interface (DVI), and the like.Moreover, the computer system 200 is envisioned to receive electricalpower from one or more of the following sources for its operation: abattery, alternating current (AC) outlet (e.g., through a transformerand/or adaptor), automotive power supplies, airplane power supplies, andthe like.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodimentof the present invention, the computer system 300 may be similar to oridentical to the computer systems discussed with respect to the figuresherein. In one embodiment, the computer system 300 may be a laptop (alsoknown as a notebook) computer, which may be converted to a tabletcomputer (i.e., a convertible laptop).

The computer system 300 includes a pen receptacle 302 (e.g., to receivea pen for the tablet embodiment), a display 304 (which may also be usedas a tablet), a base 306, and a base flap 308. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the pen receptacle 302 may be embedded in the display304. In another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit304 may be an LCD, plasma display, and the like. In a further embodimentof the present invention, the display unit may include hardware elementssuch as a CPU, peripherals, interfaces, chipsets, and the like (such asthose discussed with respect to FIG. 1). In yet another embodiment ofthe present invention, the base 306 houses hardware devices such asbatteries, storage devices, communication ports, a keyboard, and thelike.

The base flap 308 may be wrapped around the tablet 304 and attached toit by a latch 310. In an embodiment of the present invention, the latch310 permits the base flap 308 to pivotally rotate against the base 306(e.g., utilizing a hinge, screw, pin, and other like fasteners). Thebase flap 308 may be constructed with material such as leather, plastic,fabric, metal, flexible cable, and the like. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the base flap 308 may have one or more embeddedand/or surface-attached solid and/or semi-solid structures (e.g., atselect locations) to provide structural rigidity sufficient to supportthe tablet 304 and/or other components provided within the base flap 308while being able to wrap around the tablet 304 (as illustrated in FIG.3).

The tablet 304 further includes openings 312 to permit airflow forcooling purposes. The base 306 may include a keyboard as will bediscussed with respect to for example FIG. 7. Both the tablet 304 andthe base 306 may include additional connections 314 for attachment ofexternal devices such as ear phones, microphones, speakers,communication devices, AC adaptors, and the like. The tablet 304 mayfurther include a locking tap 316 (e.g., to engage/disengage the base306 from the tablet 304).

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view of a computer system 400 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodimentof the present invention, the side view illustrated may of an oppositeside of the computer system 300 of FIG. 3. In a further embodiment ofthe present invention, the computer system 400 may be similar to oridentical to the computer systems discussed with respect to the figuresherein.

The computer system 400 includes the tablet 304, the base 306, openings412 (e.g., to permit airflow to cool the computer system 400), a lockingtap 416 (e.g., to engage/disengage the base 306 from the tablet 304),connectors 414 (e.g., to provide communication facilities for externalperipherals such as expansion ports, microphones, speakers, earphones,and the like), port(s) 418 (e.g., USB ports or its varieties such asUSB2.0), and controls (e.g., to control volume, brightness of thedisplay, and the like (not shown)).

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary front, side view of a computer system500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 500 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 500 includes the base 306,the tablet 304, and indicators 502. The indicators 502 may illustrateone or more of the following: battery power remaining, hard driveaccess, floppy access, power mode (e.g., on or off), suspend mode, andthe like.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary top view of a folded computer system 600in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 600 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 600 includes one or morelatches 602 to engage/disengage the base flap 308 from the tablet 304.

The computer system 600 further includes a display 604, a scroll contact606 with one or more functions (e.g., for scrolling up or down andselecting), and a return button 608 (e.g., for navigating backwards). Inan embodiment of the present invention, the display 604 may be analways-on display to provide information to a user. The display 604 maybe an LCD. The display 604 may also receive input data directly (forexample, by on-screen writing). In accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, the display 604 is envisioned to provide data to auser while the computer system 600 is in a folded position, e.g., forfaster access to data without having to unfold the computer system 600.Additionally, the use of the display 604 in place of the tablet 304 mayprovide reduced power consumption, thereby extending the battery life ofthe computer system 600. The computer system 600 may further include aspeaker portion 610 to provide sound signals.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary top view of an unfolded computer system700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system 700 may besimilar to or identical to the computer systems discussed with respectto the figures herein. The computer system 700 includes a keyboard 702mounted in the base 306, a pointing stick 704 (e.g., to navigate), oneor more selection buttons 706 (e.g., to use for right-click/left-clickfunctionality, or otherwise configurable for automating other tasks),one or more alignment tabs 710 in the tablet 304, and one or morealignment tabs 712 in the base 306 (to match up with the tabletalignment tabs 710). In an embodiment of the present invention, the basealignment tabs 712 and the tablet alignment tabs 710 may becomplementary (i.e., dimples versus extrusions) to provide properalignment of the tablet 304 and the base 306 in a folded position suchas shown in the FIG. 6.

The computer system 700 further includes a guiding/locking mechanism 708for engaging/disengaging the tablet 304 as it is adjusted against thebase 306. As illustrated the computer system 700 includes the base flap308 and indicators 714 (e.g., embedded in the base 306). The indicators714 may illustrate one or more of the following: battery powerremaining, hard drive access, floppy access, power mode (e.g., on oroff), suspend mode, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 800 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodimentof the present invention, the computer system 800 may be similar to oridentical to the computer systems discussed with respect to the figuresherein. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computersystem 800 is the same as the computer system 600 of FIG. 6 with thebase flap 308 detached from the tablet 304. The computer system 800includes the display 604, the scroll contact 606, the return button 608,and the speaker portion 610.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top view of a computer system 900 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodimentof the present invention, the computer system 900 may be similar to oridentical to the computer systems discussed with respect to the figuresherein. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computersystem 900 illustrates the computer system 600 of FIG. 6 with the baseflap 308 and the base 306 folded under the tablet 304. The computersystem 900 includes a pen 902 for writing on the tablet 304. The pen 902may be a battery-less pen such as pens provided by Wacom Company, Ltd.,of Japan. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tablet 304 hasa magnetic underlay, resistive underlay, and/or the like to receivesignals input by the pen 902.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in its folded position, the computer system900 may have a portion of the base flap 308 protruding. The tablet 304further includes a speaker portion 910 to provide sound signals, amicrophone 908 to receive sound signals, one or more buttons 906 (e.g.,power on/off button, security button (e.g., for safe mode operationswhich enable quick suspension or wake up of the computer system 900),and/or rotate button (e.g., to rotate the image displayed on the tablet304 by a certain degree such as 90 or 180 degrees in clockwise orcounter-clockwise directions)). Also illustrated in FIG. 9, areperimeter portions 904 of the tablet 304 which may embed (or cover) oneor more types of wireless antennas for provision of global system formobile communication (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS),Bluetooth, institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE)802.11x, and the like.

FIGS. 10 through 16 illustrate exemplary side views of computer systemsin accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In anembodiment of the present invention, the computer system shown in theFIGS. 10-16 may be similar to or identical to the computer systemsdiscussed with respect to the other figures herein. FIG. 10 illustratesthe side view of the computer system in a fully folded position. FIG. 11illustrates the side view of the computer system as the base 306 and thetablet 304 are pulled apart from the fully folded position of FIG. 10.FIG. 12 illustrates the side view of the computer system as the base 306and the tablet 304 are further pulled apart from the position shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates the side view of the computer system in a laptop (ornotebook) position. As shown in FIG. 13, the tablet 304 may rest on thebase 306, with the base flap 308 providing support for the tablet 304.In one embodiment of the present invention, the tablet 304 may be lockedin position (such as discussed with respect to FIG. 7). In an embodimentof the present invention, it is envisioned that the laptop positionillustrated in FIG. 13 provides the laptop configuration in a relativelylower volumetric space (e.g., by reducing the amount of space requiredin the back of the laptop screen to achieve a screen angle required by auser in relatively tighter spaces while providing access to the keyboardand/or other input devices). In one embodiment of the present invention,the angle between the face side of the tablet 304 and the face side ofthe base 306 is between about 95 to 140 degrees when in the laptopposition.

FIG. 14 illustrates the side view of the computer system as it isfurther folded into a tablet configuration. As shown in FIG. 14, thebase flap 308 may be folded between the base 306 and the tablet 304.FIG. 15 illustrates the side view of the computer system in a tabletconfiguration with the pen 902 providing input data to the tablet 304.As shown in FIG. 15, in the tablet configuration, the base 306 and thebase flap 308 provide support for the tablet 304.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base 306 is automaticallydeactivated once the computer system assumes its tablet configuration.Similarly, it is envisioned that the base 306 may be reactivated oncethe computer system leaves its tablet configuration. This approach mayassist in eliminating input of stray data when the computer system isswitching between a tablet and laptop configuration, for example. FIG.16 illustrates the side view of the computer system in a tabletconfiguration with the base 306 and/or the base flap 308 detached (suchas discussed with respect to latches 602 of FIG. 6).

Whereas many alterations and modifications of the present invention willno doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that anyparticular embodiment shown and described by way of illustration is inno way intended to be considered limiting. Therefore, references todetails of various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope ofthe claims which in themselves recite only those features regarded asessential to the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of converting a computer from a foldedposition into an alternate position, the method comprising: providing adisplay; providing a base coupled to the display; providing a base flappivotally attached to the display and the base, the base flap beingattached to the display at a distance sufficiently away from edges ofthe display to provide a reduced volumetric size of the computer in alaptop position.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the base flap attachesto substantially a center of the display.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the base and the display form an angle of about 95 to 140degrees when the computer is in the laptop position.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the alternate position is a tablet position.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the base flap is constructed with materialselected from a group comprising leather, plastic, fabric, metal, andflexible cable.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the display furtherincludes an item selected from a group comprising a CPU, a peripheral, acommunication interface, memory, and a chipset.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein the display includes at least one latch to detach the base flapfrom the display.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein the display includesan underlay disposed thereon to receive input signals in the tabletposition, the underlay being selected from a group comprising a magneticunderlay and a resistive underlay.
 9. The method of claim 5 wherein thebase flap further includes one or more structures to provide structuralrigidity sufficient to support a weight of the computer.
 10. The methodof claim 9 wherein the one or more structures are coupled to the baseflap by a method selected from a group comprising embedding andsurface-attached.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the structures areselected from solid and semi-solid material.
 12. A computer systemcomprising: a central processing unit (CPU); a chipset, coupled to theCPU; a display housing the CPU; a base coupled to the display; a baseflap pivotally attached to the display and the base, the base flap beingattached to the display at a distance sufficiently away from edges ofthe display to provide a reduced volumetric size of the computer systemin a laptop position.
 13. The computer system of claim 12 wherein thebase flap attaches to substantially a center of the display.
 14. Thecomputer system of claim 12 wherein the base flap is constructed withmaterial selected from a group comprising leather, plastic, fabric,metal, and flexible cable.
 15. The computer system of claim 12 whereinthe base flap further includes one or more structures to providestructural rigidity sufficient to support a weight of the display. 16.The computer system of claim 12 wherein the structures are selected fromsolid and semi-solid material.
 17. The computer system of claim 12wherein the display includes at least one latch to detach the base flapfrom the display.
 18. The computer system of claim 12 further includinga secondary display to provide access to data without having to unfoldthe computer system from a folded position.
 19. The computer system ofclaim 12 further including a pen to input data through the display whenthe computer system is in a tablet position.
 20. The computer system ofclaim 12 wherein the base houses at least one hardware device.
 21. Thecomputer system of claim 12 further including a storage device coupledto the chipset.
 22. The computer system of claim 15 wherein the one ormore structures are coupled to the base flap by a method selected from agroup comprising embedding and surface-attached.
 23. The computer systemof claim 18 wherein the secondary display is an always-on display. 24.The computer system of claim 18 further including one or more controlsto navigate through information displayed by the secondary display. 25.The computer system of claim 19 wherein the pen is battery less.
 26. Thecomputer system of claim 19 wherein the display includes an underlaydisposed thereon to receive the input signals in the tablet position,the underlay being selected from a group comprising a magnetic underlayand a resistive underlay.
 27. The computer system of claim 20 whereinthe hardware device is selected from a group comprising a battery and akeyboard.
 28. A computer system comprising: display means; base meanscoupled to the display means; base flap means pivotally attached to thedisplay and the base means to provide a reduced volumetric size of thecomputer system in a laptop position.
 29. The computer system of claim28 further including secondary display means to provide access to datawithout having to unfold the computer system from a folded position.